Lokomotiv Kuban defeated Zenit on the road – 81:72 (22:20, 19:21, 19:19, 21:12).
Game progress
A strong offensive performance by Luka Samanic and Johnny Juzang (18 points combined) allowed Zenit to take the lead early in the game – 18:10. The guests rallied with Jeremiah Martin. In just under 4 minutes, he scored 10 points and put Loko ahead – 22:20.
The second quarter was tough. Over 10 minutes, the lead changed 6 times and the score was tied 5 more times. As a result, Martin’s buzzer-beater tied the score by halftime – 41:41.
Key moment
Lokomotiv Kuban managed to break the deadlock in the final quarter. The Krasnodar team run was built due solid defense. In 8 minutes, Loko allowed the opponent to score only once. Meanwhile, the guests managed to pull ahead by double digits – 73:63. The hosts tried to get back in the ending, but couldn’t get closer than 6 points.
X-Factor
Defense was the key to the guests’ win in this game. The Krasnodar team let opponent to score only 72 points (compared to an average of 88.4 points). At the same time, Loko set a new team’s season-high 15 steals.
Facts
Dejan Radonjic got his first loss in the VTB League as head coach.
Loko snapped Zenit’s winning streak, which had included 10 consecutive wins.
Loko is trailing the St. Petersburg team by 2 wins now. However, Loko has a game behind and holds the head-to-head advantage.
Leaders
Zenit: Trent Frazier (14), Luka Samanic (12 + 5 rebounds), Johnny Juzang (10)
Lokomotiv Kuban: Jeremiah Martin (24 + 6 assists), Patrick Miller (15), Alen Hadzibegovic (13 points, 6 rebounds)
What’s next
Zenit: March 30 on the road versus Samara
Lokomotiv Kuban: March 25 on the road against Samara.
